Nerede Gezelim in Ayvalık, Balıkesir: 3 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Ayvalık

Must-try foods in Ayvalık

• Ayvalık Tostu
  Ayvalık TostuThe town's most famous street food, this massive sandwich is made with a special large-loaved bread and traditionally stuffed with sucuk (Turkish sausage), salami, cheese, pickles, and tomato paste. For an authentic experience, head to the 'Tostçular Çarşısı' (Toasters' Market) where locals debate which booth serves the best version.
• Papalina
  PapalinaA tiny, delicate fish species unique to the Ayvalık region, often compared to sprats or baby sardines. Usually served lightly floured and deep-fried, they are so small and tender that locals eat them whole, including the head and bones, typically accompanied by a glass of rakı.
• Lor Tatlısı
  Lor TatlısıA signature dessert made from fresh, unsalted 'lor' (curd cheese). These soft, porous cakes are baked until golden and then soaked in a light sugar syrup. In 2026, the trending way to eat them is topped with a scoop of mastic ice cream and a drizzle of black mulberry sauce.
• Sakızlı Lor Kurabiyesi
  Sakızlı Lor KurabiyesiThese crumbly, aromatic cookies are a staple of Ayvalık's bakeries. They combine local curd cheese with 'damla sakızı' (mastic resin), giving them a unique chewy texture and a refreshing pine-like scent. They are the quintessential souvenir for visitors.
• Girit Ezmesi
  Girit EzmesiReflecting the town's Cretan (Girit) heritage, this rich meze is made by blending several types of cheese (often including Ezine and lor) with crushed walnuts, pistachios, garlic, and heavy amounts of local olive oil. It is a creamy, savory must-try at any local meyhane.
• Kabak Çiçeği Dolması
  Kabak Çiçeği DolmasıZucchini flowers stuffed with a delicate mixture of rice, onions, and Aegean herbs like dill and mint. These are harvested at dawn when the flowers are open and are typically served cold as part of a zeytinyağlı (olive oil dishes) platter.

Trip guide

• About Ayvalık
  About AyvalıkAyvalık is a coastal town in the Balıkesir Province of Turkey, situated on the northwestern Aegean coast. Historically known as Kydonies, the town was a center for Greek inhabitants within the Ottoman Empire until the 1923 population exchange.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Ayvalık is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm (20–25°C) and ideal for both sightseeing and swimming. July and August mark the peak season, offering hot, dry days perfect for the beach but also bringing the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. For a quieter experience, the off-peak autumn months coincide with the local olive harvest.
• Getting around
  Getting around Ayvalık

  • Intercity Bus Major bus companies like Pamukkale and Metro Turizm run frequent services to Ayvalık from Istanbul (approx. 6-8 hours) and Izmir (approx. 2-3 hours). The main bus terminal (Otogar) is located about 3km from the town.
  • Flight and Shuttle Fly into Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport (EDO), located 45km away, which handles domestic flights from Istanbul and Ankara. From the airport.
  • Dolmuş (Local Minibus) These shared minibuses are the primary way to get around locally, connecting the Ayvalık town center to Cunda Island, Sarımsaklı Beach, and the bus terminal. They are frequent, inexpensive.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use the local minibus system, known as dolmuş, for affordable and frequent transport between the town center, Cunda Island, and Sarımsaklı Beach.
  • Always accept the first offer of tea in shops or homes, as declining is often perceived as a rejection of local hospitality.
  • Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when exploring the historic cobblestone streets and converted mosque-churches in the old residential quarters.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Ayvalık

  • X International Sea & Sand Days Festival (June 19–23, 2026): A major cultural event featuring international music and folk dance competitions along the Aegean coast.
  • I. International Choir Festival (July 1–5, 2026): A new large-scale cultural exchange bringing global choral groups to historic venues and Cunda Island.
• Ayvalık Turizm Geliştirme Birliği↗
  Ayvalık Turizm Geliştirme BirliğiThe official tourism development union for Ayvalık, providing travel guides, accommodation listings, and regional promotional information.